TWO trainee sailors from County Durham have been given a masterclass in the basics of service life from an instructor whose roots are anchored in the same county.
Stephen Wilson, 21, from Stanley and Scott Foster, 17, from Chester-le-Street, both joined the Royal Navy in April.
They have just completed their initial training at HMS Raleigh, where their instructor throughout the eight weeks was Petty Officer Stephen "Tel" Telford, from Bishop Auckland.
Stephen and Scott did not know each other before arriving at HMS Raleigh.
Scott, who attended Hermitage Comprehensive School, said: "It was good to know that someone from the same area was here.
"We've become friends and will try to keep in touch."
A former pupil of Greencroft Comprehensive, Stephen said: "I feel proud that we have passed our initial eight weeks training."
The recruits will now go their separate ways. Scott is heading for HMS Collingwood to train as an engineering technician, while Stephen will remain at HMS Raleigh with the Royal Navy Submarine School.
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